She placed her lips upon his, her eyes searching his face.“Will they?”
“How could they not?”Aurelia Goldsworthy was a lady in more than name.A woman on a bolder path, and he only hoped that she would allow him to walk it with her.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
She wore a frock of shimmering silk brocade shot with metallic threads of silver and gold.It dazzled in the gaslight, with a long, bustled train and a low, square neckline.With Katie’s help, she dressed her hair high atop her head, with fat curls and coppery tendrils cascading over her bare shoulders.
Aurelia admired her reflection in the cheval glass.The last time she’d studied her appearance so closely, she’d felt critical of herself and uncertain of her attractiveness, but that was folly on her part, for her worth did not depend upon a mirror or a man’s gaze.
She possessed all the strength, beauty, and necessary appeal within her heart, and she beamed at herself in the glass.
Kate, the maid, beamed, too.“Oh, miss, you’re prettier than the Princess of Wales!”
They both laughed at that.Aurelia pivoted to inspect the long, tight bodice of her gown, so fashionable and expensively made, and undoubtedly fit for a princess—or a would-be duchess.
She did not think that His Grace would propose, though their feelings for one another grew deeper with every day, with almost every minute of her stay at Brantingham House.He was a dear, sweet man, but he wasn’t a saint.The Duke felt an attraction to her, physically and emotionally, and he was mortal enough to fall for a pretty girl in a gorgeous dress.
Aurelia did not require matrimony to feel complete when they could be together as friends, and perhaps even lovers.They could create a family of their own design.
“Wish me luck, Katie,” she said, “and enjoy your celebrations downstairs.”
There would be drinking and dancing in the servants’ hall to rival those festivities of the Charlton family.Aurelia had heard much about the plans both upstairs and below, and she was excited for everyone to kick up their heels on Christmas Eve.
Before she quit her bedchamber, she turned to call to Katie, “Don’t worry about lighting my fire or leaving a hot brick between my sheets.I can fend for myself tonight.”Smiling, she added, “Happy Christmas and have fun!”
She met the Duke of Brantingham in the corridor.He wore white tie and evening dress, and her heart danced at the sight of him in his tailored black trousers and polished pumps.His brown hair was swept back on his high, aristocratic forehead.He was as tall and broad-shouldered, and as fit and handsome as ever, no matter what he wore.
“Were you waiting for me?”She asked, extending her hands to him.
His Grace lifted her gloved knuckles to his lips and kissed them.“Always,” he laughingly answered, “and I’m pleased to see my patience was rewarded.”
Aurelia swished her skirts and did a little spin for his amusement.His eyes followed her every move, as though she were the only woman in the world meriting a second glance.His gaze was hungry, proprietary, but never lewd or indecent.Aside from kissing her in his carriage, the Duke was a consummate gentleman.
His attentions were always welcome.
“Honestly, I wanted the first sight of you so that I wouldn’t moon like a lovesick schoolboy when you descended the stairs.”He offered his arm to her.“I also wanted to warn you about our party—we’ve twelve assorted Charltons, Beausires, and MacFanes on the guest list tonight.I haven’t seen them since Mama’s funeral, so it shall be something of a family reunion.”He led her down the wide, sconce-lit passage lined with priceless art and precious objects.“Do you mind?”
Her thoughts quite outstripped the pace of their conversation, and she found herself momentarily lost.She blinked up at him.“Mind what?”
“An intimate family gathering,” he replied.When they reached the grand staircase, he paused at the landing.“You’ll meet my deplorable uncle, my twin maiden aunts, and all the country cousins.”
“They sound lovely,” she said, for she’d always envied her friends and classmates who spent the holidays with family, extended family, and distant relatives all over Britain.She was glad that His Grace had a vast network of kinfolk.He was probably related in some way to every noble family of the English upper class.“You’re terribly blessed, Your Grace.”
He grinned.“Yes, terribly.”
She laughed.“When are they due to arrive?”
“Any minute now, actually.We ought to go down,” the Duke showed no inclination to leave their cozy perch above the bannisters, “though Margie and the others will have it in hand.I really must tell you, Aurelia, how beautiful you look tonight—how beautiful youare.”He leaned in to whisper in her ear.“You leave me breathless.I hope I don’t make an ass of myself.”
She couldn’t imagine His Grace being anything but perfect.
She adored him, and he could do no wrong.
Heavens, how she loved him!
Aurelia turned her face so that he could place a chaste, squirely kiss upon her softly powdered, lightly rouged cheek.She had gone to great lengths to look her best for him and for herself.She wanted him to feel breathless and slightly mad for her.She wanted him to forget who he was and what she was, and whatever it was they hoped to be to each other.
“I suspect,” she said, teasing him, “you intend to make us late, so that you can have your grand entrance with me on your arm.”
